Steps to Take When in a Roofing Emergency in Baton Rouge

When a storm hits your home hard, there’s a good chance that your roof will take the bulk of the force. In torrential rain or strong winds, heavy snowstorms or hurricanes, roofs are at risk for suffering some major damage. While emergency roofing repair isn’t something that anyone wants to think about, emergency roofing can be an absolute must when an unforeseen natural event occurs. If you’re a homeowner that’s been hit by a storm, here are some steps to take when in a roofing emergency:

Assess the Damage

After ensuring that everyone is safe in your home after a storm, the next think you’ll want to do is assess the damage that’s done to your roof. Look for missing shingles, obviously damaged areas, and estimate the amount of damage that you think has occurred in terms of square feet. Make sure you do the assessment when outside lighting is good, and use a pair of binoculars if you need help searching for damaged locations.

Fix What You Can

The average homeowner doesn’t know a lot about roofing, but just because you’re not a trained roofer doesn’t mean you can’t take any steps towards mending your roof. If the roof is leaking, then place a bucket under the spot to prevent excess water from ruining any valuable items within the home. You can also use a tarp for instantaneous waterproofing. In the event that your roof is leaking, it is important that you locate the source of the leak, control water leakage, and apply a patch if you know how. If you have missing shingles – in an amount that’s minor and manageable for do-it-yourself work – you can use a hammer and nail to replace them.

Whenever you’re climbing onto your roof, especially following a storm when surfaces may be slippery or damaged, make sure to take necessary safety precautions. Wear a hardhat, use gloves and wear proper clothes, and always move forward rather than backwards.

Make a Decision about Repairs

If the damage to your roof is severe, it may make sense to contact your home insurance company. However, if the damage is minor enough that hiring a private repair company would be more economical, you should consider doing that instead.

A damaged roof shouldn’t be left unattended to – damaged roofs can lead to leaks, destruction of the ceiling or attic, and eventual rot. If your roof needs fixing, you need to call your insurance agent or a roofing repair company pronto.

These steps can make the process of going through an emergency or weather event a smooth one. One last ingredient that can make this stressful time a little easier is entrusting your home to a qualified, local roofing contractor, like Cribbs Incorporated. For over 50 years, Cribbs has been caring for homes and helping homeowners all over the Baton Rouge area. For more information, click here .